Automatic phonograph



y 1942. E. F. ANDREIWS 2,281,547

AUTOMATIC PHONOGBAPH Filed Dec. 20, 1937 13 Shets-Sheet l- @Mfaww,

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AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH Filed Dec. 20, 1937 13 Sheets-She et 2 Jaw;

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AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH Filed Dec. 20, 1957 13 Sheets-Sheet 3 y 1942- E. F. ANDREWS AUTQMATIC PHONQGRAPH Filed Dec. 20, 1937 13 Sheets-Sheet 4 May 5, 1942.

E. F. ANDREWS AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH Filed Dec. 20, 1937 15 Sheets-Sheet 5 I 720672222 //MfJWA y 5, 1 E. F. ANDREWS 2,281,547

AUTOMATIC PHON0GRA15H Filed Dec. 20, 1937 13 Sheets-Sheet 6 rzrgverzzz; 230 23/ V @fl/Xlm y 5, 1942- E. ANDREWS AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH Filed Dec. 20, 1937 13 Sheets-Sheet, 7

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' AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH Filed Dec. 20, 1937 I 13 Sheets-Sheet 8 za/ 252 76.5 334 I AUTOMAT I C PHONOGRAPH Filed Dec. 20, 1937 13 Sheets-Sheet l0 m/m fwew, m/ xw E. F. ANDREWS 2,281,547

AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH Filed-Dec. 20, 19:57 15 Sheets-Sheet 11 y 1942- E. F. ANDREWS 2,281,547

AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH Filed Dec. 20, 1937 13 Sheets-Sheet 12 Patented May 5, 1942 I AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH Edward F. Andrews, Chicago, Ill. Application December 20, 1937, Serial No. 180,752

59 Claims.

This invention relates to automatic phonographs, and particularly to automatic phono graphs which are adapted to play any desired one of a plurality of records, or any desired plurality of records in the desired or approximately the desired sequence.

The present invention enables the records to be stored in a magazine in compact relation so that the phonograph may be used for'the storage of a large library of records, any and all of which are immediately available for automatic playing without being touched by the hand. My improved phonograph comprises a traveling carriage which is equipped with mechanism for removing any selected record from the magazine, playing either or both sides of the record, and returning it to its position in the magazine. The number of records for which the machine is adapted is a matter of choice, since all the operating mechanism is on the carriage, and all that is necessary for the production of a machine which will play a much greater number of records is the provision of a longer magazine, correspondingly longer ways or supports for the traveling carriage, and the provision of the appropriate selector mean for the additional records.

As will hereinafter appear, the selector means are simple rod stops, and the magazine merely comprises two bars' and spacers supporting the records in close propinquity.

My improved phonograph is adapted for the reception of records by merely placing them in the magazine, andis adapted for the playing of records of either of the conventional sizes.

While this invention comprises many inventive combinations, sub-combinations, and features, which are hereinafter defined in the appended claims, for convenience in understanding the invention, the general nature ,of the operation of the device will be first described in .broad terms.

According to this invention, '1 provide a magazine for supporting the records. The magazine may be adapted"'for any number of records desired. and since they occupy a relatively small space in the magazine, the number of records which the machine will receive and, deliver for playing is practically unlimited. I provide a carriage which is adapted automatically to travel along the magazine. Selector means, individual *RElSSUED- Iii) , carriage then moves to the next actuated selec a record from the magazine to record-rotating means on the carriage and for returning the record when played back to the magazine. The carriage is provided with pick-up means for the playing of the record. The pick-up means is rotatable so that either side of the record may be played or'both sides may be played, as desired, the selector means being adapted to enable the player to select any record and to control the .playing of either or. both side thereof, as de sired. The traveling carriage is provided with power means for its bodily travel, for the record transfer, for the record-rotating means, and for other functions necessary for the. playing of either side of the record in the manner selected.

In the normal operation of the machine, the selector means are first actuated to select the playing of either or both sides of any number of records in the magazine. The power means is then put into operation, and the carriage starts from its intial position and moves bodily until it is arrested by the first actuated selector means. There are two selector means for each record, corresponding one to each side. Which of the selector means is actuated determines the position and the direction of the pick-up and the needle so as to play the appropriate side of the record. The record transfer means cooperates with the record in the magazine in alignment therewith, to remove the record from the magazine, which removal need not be complete. bringing it into cooperative relation with the record-rotating means. The record-rotating means now. engages the record and rotates it in the. direction for playing the side appropriate selected. Both'directi'ons of rotation are preferably provided by the employment 'of reversible power means, which may suitably take the form of a reversible motor mounted on the carriage. The pick-up is connected to suitable-amplifying and reproducing means so that the reproduction of the record is audible. After the playing of the record, the transfer mechanism returns the record to the magazine. If onlyone selector means of-the record is actuated to play one side of the record, then that selector means is returned to its initial position and after that side is played, the

tor, where the operation is repeated. In the event that it is desired to play both sides of the record, one side is played first, the'record is reto each record, are provided for the arrestment turned to the magazine, and the corresponding selector means is discharged. The pick-up arm is turned around to enable the needle to cooperate with the other side of the record at the opposite edge, and when that side is played, the other selector means is discharged, and the carriage moves on to the next actuated selector means. This sequence iscontinued indefinitely until all the records corresponding to the actuated selector means have been played and the carriage is moved all along the magazine. The carriage is then driven in the opposite direction back to its initial position, and the power is automatically cut off.

Theinvention will be more completely understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a sectional. view through a phonograph cabinet showing in plan view a phonograph embodying my invention. The view also includes a diagrammatic showing of an amplifier and loudspeaker. The phonograph shown in this view is adapted to play 100 records but it may be made to accommodate 50 records by reducing thelength to the extent shown by the partition illustrated by dot and dash lines.

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the carriage as viewed on the line 2-2 of Fig. l, the bar I23 used to support record selector rods being 1 broken away and the driving motor being omitted better to illustrate other details. In this view the tone arm, is shown in playing engagement with a record.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the carriage shown in Fig. 1, with a record in playing position and the tone arm in playing engagement with a record.

Fig. 4 is an end view of the carriage, as viewed from the left of Fig. 1 or more properly a side' elevation looking upwardly at the carriage as shown in Fig. 3. 1

Fig. 5 isa sectional elevation of the carriage and record magazine, the section being taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional plan, the section being taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 5 and illustrating details of the carriage drive.

Fig. 7 is a sectional elevation of the carriage taken on the irregular line 'I1 of Fig. 2, the upper part of the carriage and some elements carried by it being omitted better to illustrate structural details of the carriage stopping means,

the carriage drive clutch, and the cam shaft drive. Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional detail plan view, taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. 7 and illustrating details of the carriage drive clutch.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary sectional detail plan, taken on the line 9-9 of Fig. 7 and illustrating the carriage stopping arrangement just prior to the carriage reaching an actuated record selector rod.

Fig. 10 is a similar view, showing the elements after the carriage has been stopped by an actuated record selector rod.

Fig. 11 is a sectional plan view of the tone arm in playing engagementwith the left hand side of a record, and associated tone arm operating elements.

Fig. 12 is a similar view, showing the tone arm elevated away from the record.

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 12, with the tone arm rotated to play the right hand side of a record and out of playing engagement with a record. j

Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. 11, showing the tone. arm in playing engagement with the right hand side of a record.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary elevational view of the upper portion of the carriage, the view being taken on the line l5l5 of Fig. 2, and illustrating further details of the tone arm operating mechanism and of the record clamping means operating mechanism.

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary sectional elevation through the cam shaft, taken on the line lB-Hi of Fig. 5.

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary'sectional elevation through an auxiliary supporting and guiding shaft for various operating mechanisms, taken on the line l'|-l'| of Fig. 5.

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken on the line l8--|8 of Fig. 2. The view is also taken along the line l8-l8 of Fig. 16. This section line' illustrates more clearly the exact location of the section line. The view illustrates the details of the record clamping means operating mechanism and of the tone arm operating mechanism.

Figs. 19 and 20 are similar views showing the elements in different positions.

Fig. 21 is a fragmentary sectional elevation. taken on the line- 2l-2l of Fig. 20.

Fig. 22 is a fragmentary plan view showing the levers and associated elements for controlling the record engaging elements and the movement of the tone arm towards and away from the record. The view is a plan view of a portion ofthe mechanism shown in Fig. 15.

Figs. 23, 24 and 25 are similar views showing the levers and elements in different relative positions.

Fig. 26 is an exploded view of the control cams showing their relative angular positions on the cam shaft.

Fig. 27 is a sectional detail view, taken on the line 21-21 of Fig. 2, showing the mechanism for controlling the direction of rotation of the motor and for moving the tone arm into initial Playing position.

.left side of a record and subsequent movement thereof conditioning it to play the right side of a record.

Fig. 32B is a similar view showing the tone arm -movement during the playing of the right side of a record and subsequent movement conditioning it to play the left side of a record.

Fig. 320 is a similar view showing the tone arm movement during the playing of the left side of a record and subsequent movement condltioning it to play the same side of another record.

Fig. 32D is a similar view showing the tone arm movement during; the playing of the right side of a record and subsequent movement conditioning it to play the same side of another record.

Fig. 33 is a fragmentary plan view of the motor reversing switch and the switch operating disc.

Fig.34 is a sectional detail view, taken on the line 3434 of Fig. 2, showing the mechanism for controlling the reversing switch operating disc and associated elements.

Fig. 35 is a similar view showing certain of the elements shown in Fig. 34 in a different position.

Fig. 36 is a sectional view, taken on the line 3636 of Fig. 2, showing the record transfer mechanism in one position. The supporting plate 2,281,647 I40 and other elements have been omitted better.

to illustrate the construction and operation of the transfer mechanism.

Figs. 37 and 38 are similar views showing the mechanism in different positions.

Fig. 39 is a fragmentary sectional plan view, taken on the line 39-39 of Fig. 37, showing the main shaft and associated elements of the record transfer mechanism. This view shows the supporting plate I40 and also the other supporting plate I4I.

Fig. 40 is a sectional detail view, taken on the Fig. 46 is a sectional detail view, taken on the line 46-46 of Fig. 2, showing the mechanism for locating the tone arm at initial playing position.

the mechanism being shown to locate the tone arm at initial playing position for a-large record.

Fig. 47 is a similar view, showing the mechanism in a position to locate the tone arm at initial playing position for, a smaller record.

Fig. 48 is a sectional detail view, taken on the line 48-48 of Fig. 2, showing the trip mechanism.

Figs. 49 and 50 are similar views showing the trip mechanism in different positions.

Fig. 51 is a sectional detail view, taken on the.

line 5I-5I of Fig. 5, showing the record engaging and rotating means.

Fig. 52 is a similar view showing said means in a different position.

Fig. 53 is a detail view partly in section showing the record selecting and control mechanism, as viewed from the front on the line 53-53 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 54 is a sectional detail view, taken on the line 54-54 of Fig. 53.

Fig. 55 is a fragmentary view of the selector mechanism, taken on the line 55-55 of Fig. 54.

openings for record selector rods I03. 'These selector rods carry at their outer ends buttons I04, whereby the rods may be pushed inwardly for selection of records to be played. A starting button I05 and a stop button I06 also projects forwardly through the plate I02, as best shown in P Figs. 1 and 53. 7

Two end frames I01 and I08 are mounted on the end walls of the cabinet (see Fig. 1). These end frames are connected together by front and rear longitudinal frame members I09 and H0. Two record supporting bars III and H2 extend between the frames I01 and I08. As best seen in Fig. 5. these bars are of rectangular section. but have their upper faces II3 cut to conform to the periphery of the records II4, which are supported vertically thereon. The upper and outer portions of the faces I I3 are suitably formed with a curvaturelcorresponding to a 12" record, while the lower or inner portions of the faces H3 are suitably conformed to the curvature of a 10" record. A series of wire or plate guides II5 are mounted on the bars III and H2 so as e to extend upwardly therefrom, as shown in Fig. 5.

what towards the rear wall of the cabinet so as to reduce the travel necessary for the record to clear the guides when the record moves into playing position. A 12" record is shown in playing position in the left hand side of Fig. 5, and it "will be seen inthis'figure that the record being played is clear of the guides I liwhich normally support it in the'magazine. The guides H5 are placed close together; for example, they v may be on f; or inch centers on the rods III and H2. As best seen in Fig. 1, the guides Ill support the records I I4 in vertical position-transverse With respect to rods III and H2. The cabinet may be provided with a movable cover or upper wall so that records may be placed in position by merely dropping a record between two adjacent guides 5 onto the bars III and H2. As will hereinafter be pointed out, the records may be mounted onthe record rotating means, and they may be placed in the magazine by the operation of the record returning mechanism. A comb-like member H6 is secured to and depends below the bar III and is provided with a series of slots I", each of which is in alignment with a record receiving space between adjacent guides II5. As will be pointed out hereinafter, the slots I I! serve to locate the movable carriage in alignment with the selected records.

Two longitudinal tubes H8 and H9 extend between the end frame members I01 and I08.-

These tubes are in parallel spaced relation and serve for the support of the carriage I20. Near the right hand end, the inner or rear face of the tube H8 is cut away as shown at l2l, while the inner or forward face of the tube 9 is cut away at its left hand end at I22, as shown in Figs. 1 and 6. The purpose of the recesses I2I and I22 will hereinafter appear.

Referring now more-particularly to Figs. 1, 5, and 53 to 55, it may be seen that alongitudinal bar I23 extends between the end frame members I07 and I08 adjacent the front plate I02.and parallel thereto. The bar I23 is provided with openings through which extend the inner ends of the record selector rods I 03. Two rods I03 are provided in vertical alignment for each of the record spaces on the magazine. The rods I03 are displaced somewhat to the right with respect to the records or record spaces with which they are operatively associated. As best seen in Fig. 5. the upper rods I03 are bent upwardly and the lower rods I03 are bent downwardly so that the upper buttons I04 are substantially spaced from I the lower buttons I04, notwithstanding that the near ends of the rods I03 are located quite close together. The upper series of buttons I04 and the lower series of buttons I04 are alternately staggered in a vertical direction so as to enable any button to be pressed inwardly without disturbing the buttons adjacent thereto. Between the upper and lower series of buttons I04, I pro- 'vide two opposed lips or beads I24 which are adapted to receive between them flexible tabs I25. These tabs may be used for the titles of the selections on the opposite sides of a record, or they may be used for key numbers whereby selections may be identified with reference to an index. It may here be explained with reference to Fig. 53 that each vertically aligned pair of buttons I04 is associated with one individual record and that the upper button is associated with the selection on the left hand side of the record (referring to Fig. 1), and that lower button I04 is associated with the selection on the right hand side. Friction means are provided so as to keep the rods I03 in any position in which they are placed. Such friction means may suitably comprise springsI 26 mounted on the upper and lower edges of the bar I23 so as to bear against the rods I03.

The start button I05 is mounted on the end of a rod I21 which extends through an opening in the bar I23. At its rear end, beyond the bar I23, the rod I21 has rigidly mounted thereon a collar I28 which limits its movement in the forward direction. Between the bar I23 and the front plate I02 'the rod I21 rigidly carries a grooved collar -I29. A coiledspring I30 located around the rod I21 bears agalnst' the bar I23 and against the collar I29 so as to tend to maintain the rod I21 in its outer or forward position." a The groove of the collar I 29 receives the end of an arm I3I of a switch I32 which is rigidly mounted on the bar I23 by means of a bracket I33. When the rod I21 is in its forward position, that is, the full line position as shown in Fig. 54, the switch I32 is off. When, however, the button I05 is pushed inwardly,-the collar I29 moving inwardly with the rod I21 throws the'switch I32 on, the on position being shown in dotted lines in Fig. 54.

On the rear side of the bar I23 is pivotally mounted a two armed dog I34. This dog is biased upwardly by means of a spring I35 so that one of its arms bears against the collar I28 when the button I05 is in its outermost or stop position. When the button I05 is moved inwardly to close the switch I32 and start the machine, the spring I35 moves the dog I34 so as to bring its lower arm up in front of the collar I28, and consequently the switch I32 is held closed until the dog I34 is again moved clear of the collar I28. When such movement occurs, the spring I30 throws the rod I21 outwardly again and opens the switch I32. The other arm of the dog I34 projects upwardly beyond the bar I23 so that it may be engaged by the carriage I when it returns to its initial position. The dog I34 may also be displaced against the tension of the spring I35 by means of the stop button -I06 carried by a rod I36. The inner end of the rod I36 is normally located within an opening in the bar I23 and is of tapering form, as best seen in dotted lines in Fig. 54. When the button I06 is pressed inwardly, the tapered end of the'rod I36 is projected rearwardly out of the bar I23 and its tapered end cams the dog I34 downwardly against the tension of the spring I35 so as to release the rod I21 and effect the opening of the switch I32. The rod I36 is biased forwardly by a spring I31 (see Fig. 1 which bears against the bar I23 and against a collar I38, rigidly mounted on the rod I36 so as to bias the button I06 outwardly. 'A collar I39 rigidly carried by the rod I36 immediately behind the plate I02 serves as a stop to limit the outward movement of the rod I36.

. The carriage I20 comprises two parallel frame plates I40 and HI which are secured together in parallel spaced relation by, means of shouldered bolts I43. The plates I40 and I are also rigidly connected by means of horizontal, vertically spaced apart, bridge members I44, I45, and I46 shown in section in Fig. '1. The plates I40 and I are each provided on their under side with openings I(Figs. 4 and 5), the upper portions of which openings receive the tubes H8 and H9 upon which the carriage I20 rides. The plates I40 and MI carry rollers I56 (Figs. 5 and 6) which bear against the front side of the supporting tube I I8 and against the rear side of the supporting tube II9 so that the carriage I20 may move freely on the guide tubes H8 and H9 and at the same time be held against rotative displacement transversely with respect to these tube supports.

A motor I41 is resiliently mounted on a bracket I49 carried by the frame plate I40, as shown in Fig. 5. The shaft I48 of the motor, which includes a pair of universal joint connections I50 and I5I, extends upwardly obliquely, and its upper end is supported by bearings I52 between which the shaft I40 carries aworm I53. The worm I53 cooperates with a worm gear I51 which is rigidly mounted on a sleeve I58 which is rotatably mounted in a bearing I59 in the 'upper part of the frame plate I40, as best seen in Figs. 51 and .52. -Oneend of sleeve I58 has a flange I60 which bears against the inner side of a boss IBI, in which the bearing I59 is located. :The worm gear I51 is securedagainst displacement by means of a nut I62, which is secured to the end of the sleeve I58 opposite the flange I60. A tubular shaft I63 extends through the sleeve I58 so as to slide therein in its longitudinaldF- rection. The sleeve I58 is keyed to the tubular shaft I63 so that both elements rotate together when the motor is in operation. The tubular shaft I63 is supported at its opposite end in a bearing in a boss I64 in the upper portion of the plate. I4I. Between the sleeve I58 and the boss I64, two opposed bevel gears I65 and I66 are mounted on the hollow shaft I63. These gears mesh with a bevel gear I61, which is connected to a shaft I68 which extends downwardly be-- tween the plates I40 and HI, as best seen in Fig, 7. The upper end of the shaft I68 has a bearing in the bridge member I44, and below this bridge member it carries a gear I69, the purpose of which will hereinafter be more fully described. Between the bevel gears I65 and I66 is mounted a sleeve I10. This sleeve is provided with a slot I1I in which is received a pin I12 carried by the hollow shaft I63, so that the hollow shaft I63 may move longitudinally within the sleeve I10, which sleeve, however, will rotate with the hollow shaft I63. Two coil springs, both of which are left-handed, I13 and I14, are located around the sleeve I10. The remote ends of the springs I13 and I14 are secured to the bevel gears I65 and I66 respectively. A washer I15 is mounted on the sleeve I10 so as to separate the two springs I13 and I14. The springs I13 and I14 have a normal diameter which is slightly smaller than the exterior of the sleeve I10, so that they tend to contract upon this sleeve. When the hollow shaft I63 is driven in a counterclockwise direction. as viewed from the left hand side of Fig. 51, the spring I13 tends to tighten on the sleeve I10 so that. the bevel gear I65 is caused to rotate in the same direction as the hollow shaft I63, that is, the counterclockwise direction, as viewed from the left in Fig. 51. This rotation of the shaft I63 tends to loosen the spring I14; consequently, the gear I65 is driven while the gear I66 tends to idle. In idling, it is driven in the opposite direction, that is, the clockwise direc tion. as viewed from the left in Fig. 51, owing to the connection of both these gears with the bevel gear I61. This clockwise rotation of the gear I66 tends further to loosen the spring I14. The bevel gear I61 and the shaft I68 are driven in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in plan.

When, however, the direction of the motor is reversed and the gear wheel I51 is rotated in clockwise direction, as viewed from the left in Fig. 51, the spring I14 is tightened on the'sleeve H8 or II9. When the wheel I81 2,281,547 I10 and the spring I13 is loosened. Under these circumstances, the gear I66 is driven in the clockwise direction, as viewed from the left in Fig.51, and the gear I65 idles in the opposite direction. In this case, again, the gear I61 and the shaft I68 are driven in counterclockwise direction, as viewed in plan. Consequently, irrespective of the direction of the motor, it always operates to drive the shaft I68 in the same direction.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 5, 6, and 7, it may be seen that the lower end of the shaft I68 is rigidly secured to a sleeve I16 which projects beyond the lower end of the shaft. The projecting portion of the sleeve I16 freely receives the upper end of ashaft I11; which has hearings in the bridge members I45 and I46, as best seen in Fig. '1. The shaft I11 rigidly carries a collar I18,-which abuts against the lower end of the sleeve I16. terior of the sleeve I16 is a sleeve I19. The lower portion of the sleeve I19 is flared to provide a housing between it and the sleeve I16 for the reception of a coil spring I80, which is adapted to grasp the sleeve I16. The upper end of the coil spring I80 is secured to the sleeve I19, and its lower end is secured to the collar I18. The spring I80 is-a right hand spring, and it will readily be seen that the rotation of the shaft I68 in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in plan, will accentuate the grip of the spring upon the sleeve I16 and consequently effect the driving of the shaft I 11 in the same direction. The clutch provided by the spring I80 is adapted to be released by a detent IBI on a bell crank lever I82, which is pivotally mounted on a shaft I83. When this bell crank lever is swung in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. '1, the detent I8I moves into the path of one of the teeth I54 (Fig. 8) on the lower flange of the sleeve I19. The arrestmerl't of the sleeve I19 loosens the spring on the shaft I11 and terminates the drive of the shaft for the time being. It may here be noted that this clockwise movement of the bell crank lever I82 also releases a dog I84, with the result that a plurality of cams, hereinafter described, are set in operation.

Two arms I85 are freely mounted upon the shaft I11 above the bridge member I46, as shown in Fig. 7. These arms are I86. A wheel I01 of rubber or other suitable resilient material is mounted between the two arms I85 by means of a shaft I88 (see Fig. 6), to which the wheel I81 is rigidly secured. This shaft I88 is rigidly secured, above the upper arm I85, to a gear I89 which meshes with a pinion I90, rigidly mounted on the shaft I11. It may be noted that the shaft I11 is located halfway between the tubular supports H8 and H9, and that the wheel I81 is arranged so that it may operatively engage either of these tubular supports. As best seen in Fig. 6, the sum of the pitch radius of the pinion I90, the pitch radius ofthe gear I89, and the effective radius of the wheel I81, is somewhat less than the distance between the axis of the shaft I81 and either of the bars H8 and 9.. The result is that the counterclockwise rotation of the shaft I11 tends to carry the arms I85 and the wheel I81 bodily around with it until the wheel I01 is wedged forcibly against one of the bars can be carried no further in the clockwise direction around the shaft I11, it is rotated by its own shaft I88 so that the carriage I is translated along the ways or tubular guides I I8 and I I9. In Fig. 6, the car- Freely mounted on the exseparated by a sleeve Consequently, the wheel shoulder I91 on the hollow shaft riage is shown moving to the left, owing .to the counterclockwise rotation of the shaft I11. When the carriage approaches the left hand end frame I01, the wheel I81 enters the recess I22. and no longer operatively engages the bar II9. I81 rotates in the counterclockwise direction around the shaft I11 until it engages the bar II8. If the drive of the shaft I11 was maintained indefinitely; and the carriage was not stopped in any way, the carriage would then be driven towards the right hand frame member I08, and when the wheel I81 entered the recess I2I in the bar II8, it would be free to swing around into an engagement with the bar H9, and the carriage would oscillate backward and forward indefinitely. As will hereinafter be more fully described, the carriagejis normally arrested by one or more of the rods I03,and when the carriage returns towards its initial or left hand position, it engages the upper end of thedog I34 and opens the switch I32, which cuts off the power to the motor. When, however, the start button I05 is again pressed. the motor starts operating and the translation of the carriage I20 towards the right is again initiated.

When the record is being played, it'is engaged near its center on opposite sides by two small turntables or record clamping members I9I and I92, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The turntablev I9I is supported by means of an anti-friction bearing on the upper end of a bracket I93. The bracket is secured to the outer or left hand side of the frame plate I40. The bracket I93 extends for a considerable distance in parallel spaced relation to the plate I so that the largest records used may be accommodated between the bracket I93 and the frame plate I40, when the record is in playing position. The bracket I93 preferably extends downwardly and forwardly so that the path of the record between the magazine and playing position is not impeded by the bracket. The small turntable I92 is rigidly mounted on the left hand end of the previously described hollow shaft I 63, to the left hand side of the gear I51. This hollow shaft is capable of longitudinal movement between the positions shown in Figs. 51 and 52, but it rotates with the gear I51, being keyed thereto as shown at I94. The sleeve I58 is provided with a recess I95, which receives a, spring I96. The left hand end of the spring sleeve I58, and the other end bears against 9. I63. The spring I95 thus tends'to move the small turntable I92 into the position shown in Fig. 52. The right end of the hollow shaft I63 is provided with an axial recess I98. A record centering pin I99 is adapted to move in the left hand end of the hollow shaft I 63 carrying turntable I92 and is adapted to project into an opening '200 in the center of the small turntable I9I. The centering pin is carried on one end of a rod 20I, which extends through the bore of the hollow shaft I63. At its right hand end, the rod 20I carries a small disc 202, which is adapted to engage the right hand end of the hollow shaft I53. A spring 203, located in the recess I98, normally tends to move the rod 20I to the right relative to the hollow shaft I63. The rod 20I and the hollow shaft I63 are adapted to be movedto the left by means of a lever 204, which will hereinafter be more fully described. When the lever 204moves to the right from the position shown in Fig. 51 into the position shown in Fig. 52, the spring. I96, which I96 bears against a shoulder on the is stronger than the spring 203, first moves the hollow shaft I63 to the right with the pin I99 projecting out of the hollow shaft I63, the centering pin I99 and the pin 20I being first translated to the right while substantially maintaining the relation shown in Fig. 51.

When the shoulder I91 on shaft I63 is arrested at the end of its travel towards the right, the spring 203 becomes effective, so that the centering pin I99 is completely withdrawn into the hollow shaft I63, as shown in Fig. 52. When the lever 204 is pressed to the left, as viewed in Figs. 51 and 52, the pin 20I is first displaced toward the left, owing to the fact that the spring I96 is much stronger than the spring 203. That is, the first effect of the movement of thelever 204 to the left is the projection of the pin I99 outwardly to the left, beyond the small turntable I92. As will hereinafter be explained, this projection occurs when a record is locatedbetween the turntables I9I and I92 with its center opening out of alignment with the pin I99. The record is then moved into alignment and the pin I99 springs into its center opening. Continued movement of the lever 204 to the left, owing to the engagement of the disc 202 with the right hand end of the sleeve I63, causes the sleeve and the rod 20I to 'move together to the left so that the centering pin I99 extends into the opening 200 in the turntable I9I, and the record II4 which is located between the two turntables I9I and I92, becomes clamped therebetween and is immediately set into rotation by the motor I41. The direction of rotation of the record depends upon the direction of rotation of the motor.

The tone or player arm will now be described in conjunction with Figs. 1 to 4 and 11 to 14 and more particularly the latter. This tone arm carries a pickup 205 and a needle 206. The pickup 205 is carried at the end of an arm member 201, which is pivotally mounted by means of a rod 208 upona frame 209, which comprises parallel arms 2I0' and a collar Hibetween them, the axis of which is at right angles to the rod 208. The collar 2 is rigidly secured to a sleeve 2I2, which is rotatably mounted in a bushing 2I3, carried by a U shaped frame or yoke 2I4. At its inner end, and within the U shaped frame member 2I4, the sleeve 2I2 carriesa bevel gear 2I5. The bevel gear 2I5 meshes with a bevel gear 2I6, which is mounted within the frame member 2 I4 adjacent one side thereof, as may be seen in Fig. 11. shaft 2I1 so as to rotate therewith while permitting relative longitudinal movement between the shaft 2I1 and the gear 2I6. The arm 201 comprises a rearward extension 2I8, the end of which engages a pin 2 I 9 located within the sleeve 2I2. The opposite end of the pin 2I9 engages the shaft 2I1. This shaft is provided with a frustro conical cam surface 220. When the shaft 2I1 is moved to the left, as viewed in Figure 1, or upwardly, as viewed in Figs. 11 to 14, the cam surface 220 pushes the pin 2I9 outwardly so that the tone arm is swung around its pivot rod 208. When the tone arm is located on the left hand side of the record, as shown in Fig.11, this movement of the rod 2I1 moves the tone arm away from the record II4 to the left, as viewed in Fig. 1,- or upwardly,- as viewed in Figs, 11 and 12.

When the tone arm isin the position shown in Fig. 14, that is, when it is playing the right hand side of a record, asviewed in Fig. 1, then the movement of the shaft 2I1 referred to causes the tone arm to move to the right away from The gear 216 is keyed to a weight 22I so that it is practically independent of gravity in all. its positions. The tone arm is biased by a small spring 222, which is preferably located adjacent the rod 208', towards the record 1 with the same pressure at all times. This spring causes the pickup to come into contact with the record immediately the shaft 2I1 moves to the right, as viewed in Fig. 1. The frame or yoke 2l4 carries on the side opposite the tone arm 201 a counterweight 223, so that the tone arm assembly is practically unaffected by gravity when playing either side of a record located in a vertical plane. The yoke H4 is pivotally mounted ,by means of an integral sleeve 224, which is mounted for free rotation on a horizontal axis within a boss 225, which is carried by the frame plate I40. Free movement of the tone arm is insured by means of ball bearings 226 between the sleeve 224 and the boss 225. The shaft 2I1 extends through the sleeve 224 and through an opening in the frame plate I4I. Between the sleeve 224 and the frame plate I4I, the shaft 2I1 carries a pinion 221, which meshes with a sector gear 228. A coil spring 229 is located around the shaft 2I1 so as to abut against the pinion 221 and against the right hand end of the sleeve 224. Consequently, the shaft 2I1 tends to maintain its extreme right hand position as shown in Fig. 1, which corresponds to the lowermost positions as'shown in Figs. 11 and 14. The shaft 2I1 is adapted to be displaced to the left, as viewed in Fig. 1, by means of a lever 230, which is pivotally mounted at 23I on the outer or right hand side of the frame plate MI. The lever 230 extends rearwardly beyond its pivot 23I, and this projecting portion is provided with a button 232 whereby the lever 230 may be swung manually, if desired. At its rearmost end the lever 230 engages the inner or left hand side of a projection 233 (see particularly Figs. 22 to 25), which is mounted on the turntable clamping lever 204, previously referred to. The lever 204 is also pivotally mounted on the outer or right hand side of the frame plate I, and'lt is held by a spring 234 against the outer end of the rod 20I, and with its projection 233 against the lever 230.

The lever 230 is adaptedto be actuated by a bell crank lever 234, which is pivotally mounted on the outer or right hand side of the frame plate I, the pivot being shown at 235 in Figs. 2, 16,

21, and 22. One arm of the bell crank lever 234 extends upwardly and engages the inner or left hand side of the lever 230 rearwardly of its pivot 23I. The other arm of the bell crank lever 234 extends inwardly through an opening 236 in the frame plate I and through an opening 231 in a vertical plate 238, which is adapted to slide vertically Figs. 16 and 21. The sliding plate 238 has a lower slotted end which is guided for sliding movement in the vertical direction by engagement with a bobbin 239 secured to a cam shaft 240. The upper end of the sliding plate 236 is provided with a slot 2 which receives a pin 242,rigidly mounted in the frame plate I. Suitable guides, such as pins 243, maintain the plate 238 in a vertical position. The plate 238 carries a cam roller 244, which engages a cam 245 keyed on the shaft 240.

It may here be stated that the cam shaft 240 Fig. 1. tion shown in Fig. 25, which corresponds to the ment.

corresponds to a view looking from the right hand of the machine, or the right hand side of The levers 230 and 204 have the. posipickup needle being in engagement with the record and the turntables IOI and I92 holding It may here be noted also that the turntable.

clamping lever 204- is forciblyj held against the rod 20I by means of the spring 234 secured to the rear end of said lever, which is sufliciently. strong to overcome both the springs I96 and 203 associated with the turntable clamping arrange- When the record has been played, the cam shaft 240 is driven through somewhat less than a half revolution in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 26. During the initial part of this part revolution, the cam roller 244 and the sliding plate 238 are elevated somewhat to a position corresponding to a point 246 on the cam 245. This movement movesthe lever 230 into the intermediate position shown in Fig. 23, from which it will be understood that the pickup has been moved away from the record, which record is still held'clamped between the turntables. Continued rotation of the cam 245 locates the cam roller 244 upon an arcuate portion 248 of the cam 245, which results in of the turntable I92 when that member is in record engaging position. However, when the turntable I92 .is retracted in the manner just described, its surface is located to the right of the end of the two pins 250. 250 have rounded ends and are highly polished so that the record is not injured by contact therewith. When the turntable I92 is thus re.- tracted, leaving the record supported by the cen tering pin I99, the record very soon loses its rotation. Continued rotation of the cam 245 locates the cam roller 244 upon the highest part of the cam 245, with the result that the levers 230 and 204 are moved into'the position shown The two pins 230 and 204 into the position shown in Fig. 24. This movement effects the projection of the centering pin I99 out of the-=hollow shaft I63 and into the opening 200 in the turntable IOI. Continued rotationof thev cam 245 brings the roller 244 to a position 252, corresponding to the position of the levers 230 and 20.4 shown in Fig. 23.

This change of position effects the bodily movement of the-hollow shaft I68 so as to move in Fig. 22. It will be noted that the centering pin hasmoved to the right into the hollow shaft I63, as shown in Fig. 52. These operations are completed during a rotation of the cam shaft 2400f somewhat less than 90 degrees, and are performed in the reverse order during thelatter portion of the second. part of the rotation of the cam shaft 240, 1This second part of the rotation occurs immediately before a record is played. In theembodiment of the invention shown, this part rotation amounts to about 225. At the initial part of this part rotation, the cam roller 244 rests upon the highest arc of the cam 245. It remains upon this highest arc while the cam rotates almost 90 degrees. As has been pointed out, the levers 230 and 204 are in the position shown in Fig. 22. At the end of rotation of somewhat less than 90 degrees from the beginning of the second part-revolution, the cam roller 244 moves downwardly and rests upon an arcuate surface 251 of the cam 245 of less radius. The resulting movement of the sliding plate 238 in the downward direction brings the levers the turntable I92 to'clamping position. The resulting movement of the tone arm actuating shaft 2I1 has no effect upon the tone arm because at this time the-pin 2I0 is resting against the cylindrical surface 241, which is located to the right handlside of the frustro conical cam surface 200. During the final portion of the part revolution, the cam roller 244 moves downwardly into its lowermost position, shown in Fig. 26, and the lever 230 moves into the position shown in Fig. 25. This movement corresponds to the lowering of the tone arm onto the record; that is, the movement of the tone arm from the position shown in Fig. 12 to the position shown in Fig. 11, or from the position shown metrically opposite and on the opposite side of therecord from its initial playing position. The actuations ofthe tone arm are effected by the previously referred to sector gear 228, which meshes with the pinion 221 on shaft 2I1 and is thrown in one direction or the other in a manner hereinafter to be described. It is to be noted that when the sector is actuated so as to throw the tone arm in a direction which is a continuation of its direction of movement during playing, the spring pressed detent 256 carried by the tone arm supporting bracket 2I4 comes into contact with the projection 255 on theboss 225 (Fig. 31). While the sector 228 primarily drives the shaft 2I1, the tonearm 201 moves bodily therewith on account of the friction of the gears 2I4 and 2I6.

The frictional resistance between the pin 256 and the projection 255 is suchthat movement of the sector becomes effective in rotating the tone arm 201, or rather its supporting frame 2I0, about its axis. This rotation of the tone arm continues until the pin 254 on sleeve 2I2 reaches the opposite end of the slot 253 in bushing 2| 3 (see Figs. 11 to 14) When the resistance of this stop is encountered, the sector, continuing to drive the shaft 2", moves the pin 256 past the projection 255 and the tone arm assembly is carried bodily tothe new record playing position. As best seen in Fig. 31, the projection 255 and the spring pressed pin 256 arelocated so that they become engaged when the tone arm axis is directed rearwardly and somewhat upwardly with respect to the horizontal. movements are shown diagrammatically in Figs. 32A to 32D, inclusive. In Fig. 32A the pickup 205 engages the outer periphery of the record for playing the selection on the left hand side, ad-

jacent its lower edge, as seen at 251. For playing this record, the same is rotated in clockwise di- The various tone arm 

